Batter&#39;s finger-worn variable-density control-pad

ABSTRACT

A baseball batter&#39;s improved grip enhancing Pow&#39;rPad™ device providing therapeutic vibration sting-absorption, which in critically configured for use upon one&#39;s upper/batting-hand, while primarily employing the forefinger but optionally including the adjacent middle-finger for positioning stability. The user&#39;s two fingers are fully inserted (with or without a conventional batting-glove) through a pair of intimately fitting spaced apart holes provided into a resiliently flexile preferably frothed-neoprene roll-stock material, clad on both sides with reinforcing nylon/stretch-fabric. An integral bolster cushion portion is arranged distally opposite the finger-holes, formed via a circular-wrap of the pad material around an extruded-core of resilient material. This constitutes the primary performance enhancing feature, whereby both ‘advanced bat positioning’, and advantageous ‘rebound-effect’ is provided; —enabling the batter to hit a ball further with greater control. The insert-cushion can be selectively changed, thereby offering variable compliance characteristics according to individual user preference; thus encouraging a more aggressive bat-swing action by dispelling any subconscious trepidation over dreaded debilitating hand-injury shock-trauma.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to hand worn grip assist means for athletes, andparticularly relates to resilient pads specifically protective of abaseball batter's hand-web region; affording enhanced control of battingperformance.

2. Relevant Prior-Art

Background research discovery provides some prior patent-art regarded asgermane to this disclosure, chronologically for example U.S. Pat. No.4,461,043 (filed: July 1982 by P. R. LoMedico) sets forthDirectProtect®, a popular light-weight cushioning-pad which is made offlexible molded-rubber. It is adapted to encircle a batter's thumb byprovision of a single approximate ¾-inch diameter hole (surrounded by alarger wire reinforcement-ring formed integrally into the pad's foammaterial), and configured as a 1-piece structure in combination with acontiguous tongue like portion extending radially therefrom, as is saidto thereby overlap and protect the ‘metacarpal phalangeal thumb-joint’of the batter's upper-hand. Although this simple thumb-pad invention hasbeen the subject of several subsequent improvement USA-patents by thesame inventor (including refinements—U.S. Pat. Nos.6,389,596/6,260,198/6,996,849/6,799,329), the essence of thesingle-holed design remains that which has already been described.Accordingly, the problem reported with this design is found in its lackof a positively reliable radial-alignment or stabilizing anchoring meansrelative to the thumb and web-region areas, of which are to be desirablyprotected.

In my own U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,621 (filed: October 1989 to J. R. Richard)wherein is set forth my original Mk-1 version Pow'rPad®, which is aresiliently flexile substantially planar 1-piece hand-grip assist pademploying four spaced apart aligned die-cut holes adapted toindividually receive all of the fingers of one's hand; and beingsymmetrical is thereby intended to protect the nerves and musculature ofeither a left or right hand. While a layer of nylon/stretch-fabric isprovided upon the side facing palm of user's hand, an optional foamintegral bolster like palm-cushion (15) may also be included at thepad's distal inward-terminus region furthest from said finger-holes,which not only acts to dampen batting-vibration-shock to the palm ofbatter's hand, it also advantageously serves to set a baseball-bathandle further outward toward batter's finger-tips; —thereby enablingimproved grip and shock-absorption. In retrospect however, this earlierconfiguration suffers several disadvantages: a.) owing it extends thefull-width of user's hand, some pro-batters report its mass imposesexcessive weight during bat-swing, which tends to be counter-productiveto the gain achieved by displacing the bat-handle evenly toward one'sfinger-tips; and b.) owing that the bonded-on bolster portion(necessarily neoprene-foam chemically bonded to neoprene-foam) preventedadding a durable layer of nylon/stretch-fabric clad upon the side facingaway from user's palm, the resulting pad is relatively fragile to theextent that it is prone to tearing-out at the holes particularly whenwearing batting-gloves; and c.) owing the optional bolster portion is offixed construction, there is no means for altering thedensity/compliance of the bolster in the field (ie: once leaving thefactory) according to user preference.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,091 (filed: November 1996 by M. L. McHugh) isshown a baseball-bat gripping aid device which is an elongate strip ofresiliently flexible foam material formed with slightly undulatingfinger-stalls, in combination with an exemplified elastic-band servingas a retaining means upon one or more of the user's fingers; whereby thedevice specifically interfaces upon the ‘superficial transversemetacarpal ligament’ at the base of user's fingers, whilst impingingagainst the bat-handle.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,594 (filed: May 2002 by E. C. Barnett) is shown aplanar flexible circular protective insert-pad specifically forcushioning the impact of a fast moving ball caught in a baseball-glove.The device is die-cut in 1-piece from high-densitymicrocellular-urethane roll-stock material; thus the lower half-circleportion of the pad acts to protect user's palm, while the upperhalf-circle portion includes two U-shaped finger-reliefs acting topositively position the pad, while also serving as a pair ofprotective-flaps relative to the fragile sub-metacarpal (inward) regionof the two fingers closest to the thumb (index and middle fingers).

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,802 (filed: June 2004 by M. A. Suarleo) is showna flexible gripping-mitt or ‘grip-glove’, said to be particularlysuitable for barbell weight-lifting, and comprises a major planarpalm-pad portion which extends the full width of user's hand, coveringmost of the palm and gripping surfaces of the fingers. A smallerpad-appendage extends therefrom as to also impinge against one's thumbgripping surface; —thereby forming a substantially L-shapedconfiguration in plan-view. The main body of this grip-glove isoutwardly textured for slip resistance, but otherwise free ofundulations; and is held to the user's palm region by an elastic-straptransversely encircling the back of user's hand; while the thumbprotecting appendage simply lays upon the V-shaped region between thumband index-finger. However, owing the bulky construction, the grip-gloveis not considered suitable for gripping of a baseball-bat handle.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,043,762 (filed: June 2003 by J. Greenhalgh) is shownan athletic finger, palm, and wrist protective “slider's-pad” foraggressive hands extended base-stealing ground-diving by baseballplayers. This device is made principally of leather, but with added foampalm-cushion proximal the rear-terminus, where is included a transverseretention-strap; plus the pad's forward-terminus is rolled entirelyaround a transverse foam-dowel (about which the user wraps their fingersduring their sliding-dive to a base), and including a proximalforward-most transverse elastic-band through which at least two of theuser's fingers are inserted to aid holding the forward portion of theslider's-pad to their fingers during relaxation of the fingers. However,the general bulk of the device would preclude usage as a batting aid,and there is no anticipation of inserting differing densities offoam-dowels.

Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent review, thereis determined a need for an improved form of device to which thesepatents have been largely addressed. The instant inventor hereofbelieves their newly improved Mk-II device, commercially referred to asthe Pro/Pow'rPad®, currently being developed for production underauspices of the ‘Sports Products Consultants —Inc.’ a mfg./mkt.company,exhibits certain improvements and advantages as shall be revealed in thesubsequent portion of this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A.) In view of the foregoing discussion about the earlier invention art,it is therefore important to make it pellucid to others interested inthe art that the object of this invention is to set forth asubstantially improved specialized Mk-II Pow'rPad®, now configured toprovide what is believed to be the favored option in baseball bat-handlegripping effectiveness; whereby my Pow'rPad® is not only a grip-pad, —itis a batter's ‘control-pad’. In the preceding dissertation on thebelieved most relevant prior-art patents, was included candidly criticalreview of my earlier Mk-I/Pow'rPad® U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,621; and withthat understanding, this present disclosure endeavors to correct thoseshortcomings of my Mk-I product via my Mk-II embodiment, the result ofthoughtful in-depth analysis toward discovering how to overcome certaindeficiencies of my nevertheless popular Mk-I product. Accordingly, whilemy Mk-I embodiment served to impinge upon a major portion of thebatter's hand palm region, my new Mk-II configuration teaches a far morecompact and durable construction, which is approximately one-forth theweight of my original Mk-I batter's-model hand-grip assist pad. Thus, Ihave discovered several enabling advantages, including improvedbat-to-ball momentum transfer; resulting in increased ball-velocity offthe bat! Moreover, because my new Mk-II embodiment concentrates itsprotectiveness toward the delicate fleshy web-tissue andcontracting-muscle spanning between one's thumb and forefinger,physiologically referred to as the ‘abductor-pollicis-trans’-muscle(vital muscle enabling the thumb to firmly oppose remainder of thehand), it is providing significantly reduced incidence ofRSI/repetitive-shock-injury trauma caused by so-called ‘bat-sting’, aharsh resonance generated typically when a fast moving ball impacts thebat-barrel at a region above or sometimes below the bat'sCoP/center-of-percussion or *‘sweet-spot’ *(region 5-7 inches inboard ofthe barrel-tip) inducing a momentary longitudinal bending, the resultingoscillations of which become telegraphed down the narrowing handle,culminating there with a greatly increased amplitude of vibration (owingthe lighter mass at the handle region) becoming a sharply amplifiedresonance twang, hence a sudden severe muscle-spasm inducing vibrationbest described as somewhat akin to a sudden AC-electrical shock; —whichcan even occur on a one-time basis. If less energy is imparted to movingthe batter's hands (the upper-hand being essentially the fulcrum point),then more energy will be transferred to the ball! Owing to the dynamicsinvolved, when a ball impacts the bat substantially below the ‘CoP’ itcan generate a force tending to push the bat-handle into the batter'spalm, yet conversely, when the ball impacts the bat substantially abovethe ‘CoP’ the batter will feel a slight push against their fingers,—trying to open their grip; —but when the ball's impact point isproximal to the CoP there is no tendency for the bat to rotate about theCoP. I am relating much of this here so as to impart an appreciation asto my latest understanding of the basic-physics which has influenceddevelopment of my advanced Mk-II/Pow'rPad®. Additionally, a furtherobject of this disclosure is to set forth an improved device aiding inabsorption of dreaded bat-sting RSI-syndrome, which is known to causeeven professional baseball players to unconsciously ‘flinch’ inanticipation of the stinging-pain they have recently experienced; —anaffliction that can cause a fractional-second hesitation, which isdetrimental to their reaction-time, —thereby adversely effectingbatting-performance.

B.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set forth myimproved Mk-II Pow'rPad article, wherein is additionally provided a moredurable construction now comprising a commercially availableclosed-celled frothed-neoprene roll-stock material that is preferablynow preferably approximately only ⅛-inch in nominal thickness (althougha thickness range of 1/16-inch to ¼-inch is tolerable) including abilateral (ie: both opposing broad sides) layer of conventionalclosely-knit stretch-nylon fabric permanently flame-bonded in aprecisely controlled conventional calender pressure-rolled bondingprocess. We then conventionally die-cut the initial product into anelongate D-shape, including simultaneous die-cutting of either one ortwo spaced apart approximately ⅝″-diameter (will vary according to adultor junior models) finger-hole(s) arranged proximal the right-handportion of the exemplified D-shape (whereby with about ⅜″ spacingbetween the holes (in my 2-finger embodiment), and about ¼″ of materialoutside the hole(s), and a transverse-width (extending between theoutward-terminus and the inward-terminus) of approximately 2¼-inches forboth 1-finger and 2-finger models; whereupon we then fold the oppositeinward-terminus portion 180-degrees back upon itself, and permanentlystitch this resulting approximate ½-inch wide linear-flap to the mainbody portion about a ½-inch from the said finger-hole(s), and therebyresulting in a longitudinal length of approximately only 2-inches. Theresulting O-shaped receiver-sleeve portion of my Mk-II/Pow'rPad® productis thus ready for post-insertion (press-fitted installation either atthe factory or by the user) of the generally cylindrically shapedinsert-cushion within the elastic receiver-sleeve integrally fabricatedby the afro mentioned pre-sewn procedure. So as enable the user avariable-density cushioning capability, I prefer to include in thepackaging several different insert-cushions made from differentextruded-foam mediums, —such as from closed-cell frothed-neoprene,frothed-polyethylene, frothed-urethane, open-celled polymer,elastomer-tubing, etc.; plus, we are now also considering the option ofa light-weight pneumatic-capsule, and possibly even ahydrostatic-capsule, all of which are designed to meet the particularpreferences of individual batters.

Configured as either a 1-finger (forefinger) or 2-finger (forefinger &middle-finger) generic-variant embodiment models, the 1-finger versionis favored by some for its ultimately light-weight quality, while the2-finger version offers the advantage of always being positivelyself-aligned relative to the base of the forefinger and middle-finger;thereby remaining properly oriented toward the web spanning thumb andforefinger. While the finger-hole(s) vary in size according to the threeincremental classifications of small/medium/large/X-lag., the diametersthus ranging from ⅜-inch (for beginning youngsters) to 1-inch (for a‘pro’ wearing batting-gloves). Generally speaking, the longitudinal(with reference to the bat-handle axis) length of my insert-cushions canrange from about 1½-inches long or less for some 1-finger models, to2¾-inches long or more for some 2-finger models; although it should beunderstood that a short insert-cushion can be employed with the 2-fingermodel, and the longer insert-cushion with the 1-finger model accordingto user preference. Furthermore, owing this major reconstruction andresulting diminutive size, the bolster (formed via combination ofreceiver-sleeve and the insert-cushion) of my Mk-II Pow'rPad®advantageously no longer comes in contact with the lower two or threefingers nor the major palm area of the hand; thereby uniquelyconcentrating the resulting offset displacing of the bat-handle towardthe more powerful forefinger (and including the middle-finger in2-finger models). However, bear in mind for example, that owing thepreferred open-ended construction of the pad's receiver-sleeve, a usercan if desired install a short insert-cushion in the 2-fingered model,so as to thereby obtain the self-aligning feature in combination with amore pronounced offsetting of the bat-handle. Therefore, while Igenerally recommend my 2-finger model for Junior/Little-league® players,I believe more experienced on up to professional Minor-league andMajor-league baseball batters prefer trying various differentinsert-cushion mediums, to select which particular combination offeatures and insert-cushion density compliance characteristics best suittheir particular batting requirements.

Accordingly, owing the thickness of the now abbreviated bolster, myMk-II embodiment is uniquely able to advantageously offset thelongitudinal-axis of the bat approximately 1-degree to 3-degrees (giventhe bat is gripped in an otherwise normal manner of usage) as measuredrelative to a reference-line extending at a right-angle from thebatter's forearm at the wrist; which is tantamount to a lead-timeeffectively advancing the position of the batter's stroke, providingsignificantly improved mechanical-leverage for greater bat swing-speed.

C.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set forth animproved Pow'rPad® according to afore said items-A/B wherein a furtherviable performance phenomenon was discovered involving my Mk-IIembodiment, whereby dependent upon the compliance and shore-durometer(firmness vrs: softness) characteristic of the insert-cushion, theimpacted ball can actually linger in contact upon the bat-barrel a smallfraction of a second longer (ie: measured in milli-seconds), duringwhich dwell-time duration, the bolster member lodged betwixt thebat-handle and the base of the forefinger (and against the base of themiddle-finger as well, depending upon the length of insert-cushionemployed) becomes slightly compressed, then instantaneously reboundswith thus stored energy transference upon the upper bat-handle uponimpact with the ball during progression of the batter's swing. The‘rebounding-effect’ of my bolster member thereby serving somewhat akinto the increased altitude achieved by a swimmer high-jumping from adiving-board having a resilient rubber spring-pad positioned thereunderat the fulcrum-point, —imparting a novel thrust-modulating energizingaction; —which I have found via independently-conducted scientificallycontrolled robotic/batting-machine tests, can potentially (dependentupon the compliance characteristic of the bolster, relative to theweight and swing-speed of the bat, and velocity of the thrown ball) sendthe ball further owing to increased post-impact velocity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DRAWINGS

The foregoing and still other objects of this invention will becomefully apparent, along with various advantages and features of noveltyresiding in the present embodiments, from study of the followingdescription of the variant generic species embodiments and study of theensuing description of these embodiments. Wherein indicia of referenceare shown to match related matter stated in the text, as well as theClaims section annexed hereto; and accordingly, a better understandingof the invention and the variant uses is intended, by reference to thedrawings, which are considered as primarily exemplary and not to betherefore construed as restrictive in nature; wherein:

FIG.-1, shows the primary ‘prior art’ grip-pad worn upon an exemplifiedleft-hand, and is an oblique pictorial perspective-view favoring thefrontal upper-inward portion of my Mk-I 4-finger embodiment (note: —isFIG.-2 in my original U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,621 which thereference-indicia have been removed to avoid numeric confusionherewith);

FIG.-2A, shows a batter's open left-hand upon which is installed my newultra-compact 1-finger Mk-II batter's grip-pad, while optionalemployment of a long/insert-cushion indicated thereto viaphantom-outline;

FIG.-2B, is a 2×-enlarged partial view thereof, showing the 1-fingergrip-pad embodiment in much greater detail, and better revealing theusage of both a short/insert-cushion and the optionallong/insert-cushion;

FIG.-3, is a left-hand showing openhanded installation of mygeneric-variant 2-finger Mk-II batter's grip-pad invention, which isconstructed in the same manner as is more clearly detailed in previousFIG.-2B, but is self-aligning;

FIG.-4, is a slightly elevated side-elevation view particularlyconcerning the batter's upper-hand gripping of a bat-handle whilewearing the Mk-II 1-finger embodiment (2-finger model also indicated viaphantom-outline) in typical manner of usage, and including informationillustrating the relationship of batter's forearm and wrist-pointrelative to the bat's longitudinal-axis, graphically demonstrating howthe bat is advantageously displaced by critical lodging of the bolster;

FIG.-5, is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternategeneric-variant pneumatic or hydrostatic capsule like insert-cushion,prior to its installation into the receiver-sleeve;

FIG.-6, is a 3×-enlarged side-elevation diagrammatic representation viewwith partial cut-away view revealing an integral pumping mechanism forthe FIG.-5 insert-cushion capsule, showing how the capsule can beadapted with a miniature finger-operated button-piston pneumatic-pump,providing a novel variable compliance action;

FIG.-7, is a broad view of the human-hand, revealing themusculature-structure, and in particular theAPT/‘abductor-pollicis-trans’ portion.

ITEMIZED NOMENCLATURE REFERENCES

-   10,10′/10″,10K—bat-handle, longitudinal-axis position:    original/advanced, knob-   11—prior-art Mk-I grip-pad-   12′/12″—general overall Mk-II embodiment: 1-finger version/2-finger    version-   13,13′/13″—pad-body, nylon stretch-fabric: finger-base    side/bat-handle side-   14,14′/14″—upper outer corner, finger insertion holes:    forefinger/middle-finger-   15,15′/15″,15A,15S—receiver-sleeve, upper-terminus/lower-terminus,    axis, stitching-   16/16′/16″,16H—insert-cushion (standard): short/medium/long, hollow    center-   17,17′,17″—Insert-cushion simple capsule, wall structure, internal    space-   18,18′,18″,18#—insert-cushion pump capsule, cylinder-wall,    pushbutton, piston-body-   18B,18C′,18C″,18P—bulkhead, pressure-chamber, anti-chamber,    relief-plunger    -   18S,18V′,18V″—piston-seal, flap-valve, check-valve-   19′/19″—bolster assembly (receiver-sleeve & insert-cushion):    1-finger/2-finger-   20,20′/20″—forearm-axis, upper-hand/lower-hand-   21,21′,21″,21B,21M—human-hand:    -   . . . thumb, forefinger, middle-finger, base-region,        A.P.T.-muscle web region-   22,22′,22″—ball, hitting-zone, ball path Ref.-arrow

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Initial reference is given by way of FIG.-1, wherein is exhibited thebelieved primary ‘prior-art’, my original and still popularMk-I/Pow'rPad® 4-finger grip-pad 11. In light of my recent R&D-studiesinto the dynamics of baseball-bat percussion upon impact with anofficial hardball, my Mk-I design 11 has been revealed to provide a lessthan optimal configuration, particularly as it applies to usage bybaseball-batters. While indeed providing a degree of protection fromso-called ‘bat-sting’, as a batter's aid the construction of my Mk-Idoes not adequately meet the needs of today's baseball-batters, owingboth to the bulk of its excessive full-palm longitudinal-width, and itsinability to provide hand protection which can be advantageously variedin compliance resilience according to individual user requirements. Notein FIG.-1 how the Mk-I's flexile planar main-body (a) is constructed offrothed-neoprene, but clad only on the palm interfacing side with afine-denier nylon/stretch-fabric (b), while the obverse broad-sidesurface (c) is formed shaved of the normal smooth-skin, which notion wasto promote a greater as coefficient-of-friction relative to thebat-handle. Plus, an elongate wedge-shaped longitudinal-axis (d)bolster-cushion (e) was permanently bonded to the pad's exposed-cellsurface (c), which has proved to be excessively bulky for many batters.Moreover, the finger-holes (f) tend to fray and tear-out (especiallywhen used over a batting-glove) owing to absence of bilateralreinforcement by an opposing layer of nylon/stretch-fabric.

Accordingly, study of generic FIGS.-2A/2B/3 at once reveals the majorchange in construction residing in my new Mk-II grip-pad embodiment. Forexample, it has been discovered that owing the inherent friction offinger-hole impingement upon the forefinger, a minimalist 1-fingerembodiment is now provided per FIGS.-2A/2B, owing provision of afine-denier nylon/stretch-fabric upon both sides of the pad-body 13(proximal the finger-base impinging side 13′), and at the bat-handleimpinging side 13″. Surprisingly, the design first introduced in my hereexemplified Mk-II 2-finger Pow'rPad® configuration of FIG.-3, has cometo realize its ultimate performance potential via the relativediminutive size of my latest Mk-II 1-finger Pow'rPad® embodimentexhibited in FIGS.-2A/2B; yet it is this novel generic construction(shared by both 1-finger and 2-finger versions) which has enabled asignificant performance advancement, —which shall be elaborated uponlater herein.

Examining the generic features better revealed in enlarged FIG.-2B, wenote the same basic construction configuration is shared by both the1-finger and 2-finger embodiments, and that the insert-cushion 16 mayinclude an optional hollow center 16H, which provision is designed tofurther modulate compliance. The flexile (ie: pliant and stretchable)planar grip-pad body 13 is comprised of commercially available 1/16-inchto ¼-inch (preferably the thinner gauge of material) frothed-neoprenewhich is durably clad upon both broad sides with nylon/stretch-fabric.This unique grip-pad body is first die-cut into an elongated D-shape,while simultaneously punching a forefinger-hole (plus an optionalmiddle-finger hole immediately thereunder in the case of a 2-fingerconfiguration) proximal the upper-corner 14 of the planar body'soutward-terminus. Then the O-shaped receiver-sleeve 15 portion iscreated by folding the inward-terminus 15′ once over upon itself to theextent of at least ½-inch, and 1-inch at the most, where it ispermanently attached via linear machine stitching 15″; which constitutescompletion of the basic Mk-II grip-pad 1-finger and 2-fingerconstruction. Finally, we install a generally extruded standardinsert-cushion 16 (short length exemplified in FIG.-2B) into theresulting elastic receiver-sleeve 15, —thereby comprising the essentialcore of the overall assembled bolster 19. Note also, that the selectedinsert-cushion 16 may be substantially flush with the top and bottomopenings of the receiver-sleeve (as exemplified in FIG.-2B), or it maybe preferred that the insert-cushion terminuses extend upwardly 16″ ordownwardly 16″ as is exemplified in FIG.-2A and FIG.-3; or alternately.filling just half of the receiver-sleeve 15 as is indicated at 16′ inFIG.-3 (wherein the insert-cushion may not be extend down in thelower-half of the receiver-sleeve 15, if an individual batter prefers toemphasize concentration of cushioning at the upper portion of thereceiver-sleeve). The embodiment of FIG.-3 is that of my new standard2-finger Mk-II Pow'rPad®, which is essentially a longitudinallyelongated version of my FIG.-2A 1-finger Pow'rPad®, the primaryadvantage of this 2-finger embodiment resides in its providing aself-aligning relationship relative to the base-region 20B of the twoupper fingers (forefinger and middle). Note also that my Mk-II Pow'rPad®may be made in various different sizes; hence, proportionately scaled upor down according to the hand dimensions of very young ball-players, asversus the hand of a full-adult pro/ball-player.

There remain subtle, however vital other differences which are to becomeherein more evident and understood as important improvements. Forexample, FIG.-4 shows how by virtue of finger-hole 14′ anchoring of thepad-body 13 to user's forefinger 21′, the bolster 19 portion becomesnaturally lodged in position between conventional bat-handle 10 and thebase-region 21B of batter's upper-hand; thereby shielding the sensitiveweb region 21M spanning between thumb 21 and forefinger 21′ (althoughnormally covered by skin-tissue which is removed here, revealing theunderlaying APT/Abductor-Pollicis-Trans muscle) 21M from dreadedbat-sting. However, orientation of my 1-finger version in FIG.-2A isnecessarily reliant upon the friction-fit of the elastic pad materialsurround alone, while my 2-finger version in FIG.-3 has the advantage ofproviding absolute positive orientation (will not rotate in azimuthabout the forefinger) relative to the APT 20M.

Study of FIG.-4 serves to graphically demonstrate how my longitudinallyabbreviated 1-finger Mk-II bolster 19′ configuration, and elongate2-finger configuration 19″, act to advance per ref.-‘X’ the swing strokeposition of the bat's longitudinal-axis 10′ approximately 1½-degrees to3-degrees (given a normal hand grip usage, and dependent upon thediameter and compliance resilience of the bolster). This advantageousfunction is shown measured as an angle-of-incidence of displacement fromthe bat's basic longitudinal-axis 10″ poised perpendicularly, at aright-angle relative to the batter's upper-hand forearm-axis 20; and byway of comparison, represents the basic position of the bat'slongitudinal-axis 10′ without use of my grip-pad aid, while thelongitudinal-axis 10″ represents the approximate displacement of thebat's longitudinal-axis when either of my Mk-II grip-pad's 12′/12″ arebeing worn upon batter's upper-hand 20′. Hence, it is to be understoodthat when a batter swings their bat while wearing my Mk-II grip-pad12′/12″, the pitched-ball 22 actually approaches the batter'sstrike-zone 22′ (transverse-line on action ref.-arrow) above thebatting-plate (not shown) during an earlier sequence of the batter'sswing, as compared to the same situation without use of my grip-pad.Accordingly, in the stage of the batter's swing wherein they break fromthe basic poise of their bat, and commences to rotate their wrists at apoint approximately above the batting-plate as is exemplified in FIG.-4,it is herein postulated that the bat has actually traveled slightlyfurther through the hitting-zone than if my device were not employed.Moreover, by optimizing this advanced displacement of the bat-handle 10poised in the batter's hands, the batter is thereby enabled to swing atan enhanced angle through the hitting-zone 22′ (action Ref.-arrow),thereby serving to improve the batter's physical leverage, resulting inincreased bat-speed, which equates to greater power potential to send a‘well hit ball’ (ie: on the so called sweet-spot of the bat-barrel)further, yet with better control, —according to batter testimonials.Note also, that this function is in addition to the rebounding-effectdiscussed earlier in the summary-section hereof.

Instead of the herein preceding considered ‘standard’ closed-celledfoam-core type of resilient insert-cushion 16 (which can bemolded/extruded in various compliance durometers), in FIG.-5 is shown analternate imperforately sealed somewhat balloon like fluid-medium filledresilient capsule like insert-cushion 18, having an approximately1/32-inch to 1/16-inch thickness flexile-polymer wall-structure 17′ (ie:such as of tough urethane-resin material) forming the internal spatialconfine 17″, wherein the contained fluid can either be ‘pneumatic’ (bycontaining a compressive gas such as air, nitrogen, —etc.) or‘hydraulic’ (a non-compressive liquid such as a saline-solution ofwater/H²O); either medium usage being according to user preference andengineering-design choice. While the pneumatic embodiment isadvantageously lighter-weight and exhibits a substantially greaterdegree of cushioning compliance than the hydraulic version (for a givenwall-thickness), the hydraulic version naturally relies upon theinherent elastic quality of the wall-structure 17′ when subjected tomomentary compressive-loads; while both of these embodiments can be madeto different longitudinal lengths and diameters (—ranging between ⅜-inchto ¾-inch) for selective interchangeable employment as an insert-cushion17 within the elastic receiver-sleeve 15 of either my FIG.-2A and FIG.-3grip-pad embodiments as a substitute for the generally foam-polymer orfoam-elastomer insert-cushion indicated as 16 (or 16′/16″). Accordinglythe length options of this fluid type insert-cushion capsule 17 areregarded as equivalent to that set forth for the standard insert-cushion(16/16′/16″).

In FIG.-6 is shown a more elaborate variable-compliance iteration of mypreceding ultimately simple capsule 17 like insert-cushion, here ahybrid embodiment pump equipped capsule 18, in which one end of theFIG.-5 capsule is left open, and the flexile wall material 17′ isultra-sonically permanently bonded to the rigid cylinder-wall insert18′, thereby forming a pressure-chamber 18C′ which can be readilyinflated as desired by the user, even while at bat if desired! Tooperate, user removes the standard insert-cushion 16 from thereceiver-sleeve 15 of their Mk-II grip-pad 12′/12″, and inserts thisspecial pump capsule 18, leaving the approximately ½-inch rigid pumpingportion extending either well upward or well below the receiver-sleeve'sterminuses 15′ and 15″ respectively. The user then can finger depresspushbutton portion 18″ several times to attain degree of air-pressuredesired within the pressure-chamber 18C′. Being that the annularpushbutton 18″ is preferably injection-molded plastic formed integrallywith the piston-body portion 18# (having integrally-molded feather-edgedflange-seal portion 18S), each stroke of the (ref.-action of largewhite-arrow, whilst the large black-arrow represents the defaultreturn-stroke biasing-action of pushbutton 18″) piston-body 18# forcesair passed the rubber flapper-valve 18V′ into the pressure-chamber 18C′on other side of bulkhead 18B, while conical check-valve 18V″necessarily becomes seated (to maintain air within anti-chamber 18C″ forcompression purposes). If the user senses an excessive firmness of theflexile wall 17′, the user merely depresses the conical check-valve 18V″briefly with the tip of their fingernail (while depressing pushbutton18#), thus moving the relief-plunger 18P to open flap-valve 18V′ therebyreleasing captive air-pressure to the extent desired.

In FIG.-7 is shown a human-hand wherein the skin-tissue has been removedto reveal the underlaying tendons and musculature. As has been statedherein, an important function of this invention disclosure is tofacilitate improved protection of the web region identified as theAPT/abductor-pollicis-trans muscle 21M, which spans between the batter'sthumb 21 and their forefinger 21′.

Thus, it is readily understood how the preferred and generic-variantembodiments of this invention contemplate performing functions in anovel way not heretofore available nor realized. It is implicit that theutility of the foregoing adaptations of this invention are notnecessarily dependent upon any prevailing invention patent; and, whilethe present invention has been well described hereinbefore by way ofcertain illustrated embodiments, it is to be expected that variouschanges, alterations, rearrangements, and obvious modifications may beresorted to by those skilled in the art to which it relates, withoutsubstantially departing from the implied spirit and scope of the instantinvention. Therefore, the invention has been disclosed herein by way ofexample, and not as imposed limitation, while the appended Claims setout the scope of the invention sought, and are to be construed asbroadly as the terminology therein employed permits, reckoning that theinvention verily comprehends every use of which it is susceptible.Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusiveproperty or proprietary privilege is claimed, are defined as follows.

1.) A lightweight batting-pad device aiding a batter's grip and controlof their bat, including positive self-aligning protection of thedelicate web area between thumb and forefinger; said device comprising:a flexile body made from a conventional planar cushioning materialdurably clad upon opposing sides with nylon/stretch-fabric including twovertically spaced apart intimately fitting finger-holes arrangedproximally along the upper outward-terminus thereof, plus areceiver-sleeve arranged along opposite inward-terminus portion thereoffor holding an elongate insert-cushion of optional compliance meansforming a bolster lodged proximal the base of upper/batting-hand'sforefinger and middle-finger against which the bat-handle is supported,while the proximal lower-half of same hand interfaces the bat directlywithout aid of cushioning; batting-pad thereby displacing bat-handlefurther toward forefinger's distal-end to provide improvedmechanical-leverage, enabling greater bat swing-speed. 2.) Thebatting-pad device according to claim-1, wherein said receiver-sleeve ofsaid bolster is elastic thereby enabling manual press-fittedinstallation of said insert-cushion which can be adapted from one of avariety of different materials and cross-sectional configurationembodiments to suit a batter's requirements; thereby enabling impactedball to linger in contact upon the bat a small fraction of a secondlonger whilst said bolster becomes slightly compressed then reboundsupon bat-handle during progression of bat-swing; said bolster therebyimparting novel thrust modulation found to advantageously send the ballfurther. 3.) The batting-pad device according to claim-2, wherein saidinsert-cushion's material and configuration embodiment can be ofextruded open-cell or closed-cell foam material, or extruded tubularpolymer or elastomer material, and of circular or other cross-sectionalshape, which shore-durometer compliance rating quality is thereforeregarded as variable and determined according to user preference. 4.)The batting-pad device according to claim-2, wherein saidinsert-cushion's material and configuration embodiment is that of animperforate resiliently flexile capsule, containing a fluid medium whichmay be compressible or non-compressible in nature determined accordingto user preference and engineering-design choice. 5.) The batting-paddevice according to claim-4, wherein said capsule is a tiny pneumaticcylindrical structure including a finger operated coaxial buttonincorporating a plunger-piston with integral check-valve means arrangedat uppermost terminus of said capsule, whilst lower-terminus of saidcapsule includes a coaxially arranged push-button relief-valve means;thereby enabling batter to pump-up said aggregate bolster to the degreeof compliance firmness they desire, or conversely deflate same to degreedesired. 6.) The batting-pad device according to claim-1, wherein saidreceiver-sleeve portion is formed by folding the cushioning materialover upon itself 180-degrees, and then sewing that said inward-terminusedge permanently to the main said body portion, resulting in asubstantially O-shaped receiver-sleeve cross-section. 7.) Thebatting-pad device according to claim-1, wherein said bolster provideseffective protection to the sensitive abductor-pollicis-transmusculature while also protecting the proximal joint of the thumb andproximal joint of the forefinger. 8.) The batting-pad device accordingto claim-1, wherein said finger-holes are nominally sized approximately⅜ths-inch to 1-inch in diameter, covering usage from beginning youngsterto professional. 9.) The batting-pad device according to claim-1,wherein thickness of said bolster lodged between bat-handle and base ofboth forefinger and middle-finger is sufficient to advance strokeposition of the bat's longitudinal-axis approximately 1½-degrees to3-degrees as bat is gripped normally in usage; and is measured as anangle-of-incidence from the bat's longitudinal-axis generally poised ata right-angle from batter's forearm-axis. 10.) The batting-pad deviceaccording to claim-1, wherein said cushioning material is closed-celledfrothed-neoprene or its equivalent, and is of approximately 1/16-inch to¼-inch in thickness. 11.) An ultra-lightweight batting-pad device aidinga batter's grip and control of their bat, while providing protection tothe delicate web area between thumb and forefinger; said devicecomprising: a flexile body made from a conventional planar cushioningmaterial durably clad upon opposing sides with nylon/stretch-fabricincluding a single intimately fitting forefinger hole arranged proximalthe upper outward-terminus thereof, plus a receiver-sleeve arrangedalong opposite inward-terminus portion thereof adapted to receive anelongate insert-cushion of optional compliance means forming a bolsterlodged proximal the base of upper/batting-hand's forefinger againstwhich the bat-handle is supported, while proximal lower portion of samehand interfaces the bat directly without aid of cushioning; batting-padthereby displacing the bat further toward forefinger's distal-end toprovide improved mechanical-leverage, enabling greater bat swing-speed.12.) The batting-pad device according to claim-11, wherein saidreceiver-sleeve of said bolster is elastic enabling easy manualpress-fitted installation of said insert-cushion which can be adaptedfrom one of a variety of different materials and cross-sectionalconfiguration embodiments to suit a batter's requirements; therebyenabling impacted ball to linger in contact upon the bat a smallfraction of a second longer whilst said bolster becomes slightlycompressed then rebounds upon bat-handle during progression ofbat-swing; said bolster thereby imparting novel thrust modulation foundto advantageously send the ball further. 13.) The batting-pad deviceaccording to claim-11, wherein said material and configurationembodiment can be of extruded open-cell or closed-cell foam material, orextruded tubular polymer or elastomer material, and of circular ortriangular cross-sectional shape, which shore-durometer compliancerating quality is therefore regarded as variable and determinedaccording to user preference. 14.) The batting-pad device according toclaim-11, wherein said material and configuration embodiment is animperforate flexile capsule, containing a fluid medium which may becompressible or non-compressible in nature determined according to userpreference. 15.) The batting-pad device according to claim-11, whereinsaid receiver-sleeve is formed by folding the cushioning material overupon itself 180-degrees, and then sewing that said inward-terminus edgepermanently to the main said body portion, resulting in a substantiallyO-shaped receiver-sleeve cross-section. 16.) The batting-pad deviceaccording to claim-11, wherein said receiver-sleeve with insert-cushionprovides effective protection to the sensitive abductor-pollicis-transmusculature while also protecting the proximal joint of the thumb andproximal joint of the forefinger. 17.) The batting-pad device accordingto claim-11, wherein said finger-holes are nominally sized approximately⅜ths-inch to 1-inch in diameter, covering usage from beginning youngsterto professional. 18.) The batting-pad device according to claim-11,wherein thickness of said bolster lodged between bat-handle and base ofboth forefinger and middle-finger is sufficient to advance strokeposition of the bat's longitudinal-axis approximately 1½ degrees to3-degrees as bat is gripped normally in usage; and measured as anangle-of-incidence relative to a reference-line extending at aright-angle from batter's forearm at the wrist. 19.) The batting-paddevice according to claim-11, wherein said cushioning material isclosed-celled frothed-neoprene or its equivalent, and is ofapproximately 1/16-inch to ¼-inch in thickness. 20.) A method of makingand using a lightweight batting-pad device aiding a batter's grip,control, and thrust of their bat, while providing protection to thedelicate web area between thumb and forefinger; said method comprising:providing a flexile planar body of closed-cell foam-material which ispermanently clad upon both broad sides with nylon/stretch-fabric that isat least approximately 1/16-inch but not greater than approximately¼-inch in thickness; then die-cutting said body of material into anelongated D-shape while simultaneously providing a forefinger-holeproximal the upper-corner of the outward-terminus thereof; providing anintegral bolster arranged along the opposite inward-terminus of saidbody by folding-over an approximate ½-inch strip once upon itself, andpermanently sewing long-edge of said strip to said body, resulting in anelastic receiver-sleeve dependent from said finger-hole body portion andhaving a substantially O-shaped cross-section; providing an elongateinsert-cushion adapted from one of various conventional pliant materialsand cross-sectional configuration embodiments for manual press-fittedinstallation into said receiver-sleeve; providing a user'supper/batting-hand and installing batting-pad thereto by simplyextending the forefinger through said forefinger-hole, then layingbat-handle against said bolster and closing the fingers in a normalmanner of two-handed batting-grip, the effect of said bolster's upperpresence thereby at once outsetting the upper portion of the bat-handleat a slight bias relative to the upper batting-hand's lower fingerswhile forcing said bolster firmly against the web area between thumb andforefinger now at a substantially advanced angle-of-incidence relativeto batter's forearm; providing batter a pitched ball and upon choosingto swing at and impacting the moving ball, the bat-handle compressessaid bolster lodged against upper portion of user's upper batting-hand,whereupon a fraction of a second later the bolster rebounds therebyhelping to send the ball further.